03-14-2022, 06:26 AM
No doubt the quicks aren't going to blast out the Pakistani batsmen on such a tame wicket. But the hope is that the cracks create inconsistent bounce and the abrasive pitch helps create reverse swing later. Presumably, this is why Cummins kept batting into Day 3, giving Australia a possibility of getting the Pakistanis to follow on if the strategy works. The follow on target is now 356 rather than 305.
In any event, the Australians now have roughly twice the odds of a series win compared to Pakistan given that it's hard to see how Pakistan wins this test. Admittedly, that's twice an infinitessimal probability. If Australia does win this Test, the curators at the ground for the 3rd Test will need to reverse course and create a bowlers' paradise in the hope of evening up.
In any event, the Australians now have roughly twice the odds of a series win compared to Pakistan given that it's hard to see how Pakistan wins this test. Admittedly, that's twice an infinitessimal probability. If Australia does win this Test, the curators at the ground for the 3rd Test will need to reverse course and create a bowlers' paradise in the hope of evening up.